2001 Ford Ka vs. 2011 Mercedes-Benz E
To start off, 2011 Mercedes-Benz E is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2001 Ford Ka. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2001 Ford Ka would be higher. At 2,143 cc (4 cylinders), 2011 Mercedes-Benz E is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Mercedes-Benz E (201 HP @ 4200 RPM) has 142 more horse power than 2001 Ford Ka. (59 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Mercedes-Benz E should accelerate faster than 2001 Ford Ka. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Mercedes-Benz E weights approximately 820 kg more than 2001 Ford Ka. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2011 Mercedes-Benz E is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 2011 Mercedes-Benz E. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2001 Ford Ka, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 2011 Mercedes-Benz E (500 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 395 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Ford Ka. (105 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2011 Mercedes-Benz E will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 Ford Ka. 2011 Mercedes-Benz E has automatic transmission and 2001 Ford Ka has manual transmission. 2001 Ford Ka will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2011 Mercedes-Benz E will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 Ford Ka | 2011 Mercedes-Benz E | |
| Make | Ford | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Ka | E |
| Year Released | 2001 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1299 cc | 2143 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 201 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 105 Nm | 500 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 7-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 880 kg | 1700 kg |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 40 L | 80 L |
